We had the good fortune of connecting with Carlos Avila and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carlos, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
As a filmmaker, a revelation that came to me early on was the urgent need for me to create my own production company, Echo Park Films. While I have had the opportunity to do exciting and inventive work for studios and networks, I have also had a parallel career as an ‘independent filmmaker’ where I create my own projects. My production company has allowed me to do that. There is the strong imperative to be entrepreneurial if you want to have the flexibility to do personal work. I have been able to build relationships within the public television space that has led to the funding of my projects. I have created, written, produced and directed documentaries, several short films, a short feature film and a television series. Having the ability to produce these personal projects was my motivation for starting my own business.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As I mentioned earlier, I work on two tracks: (1) as a director for studio and network film and television; and (2) as an independent filmmaker. I immerse myself in both of these modes of working with an equal level of commitment and passion.

I’ve directed for network television shows and in these instances, I bring all my skills and talents into a preexisting narrative world where I collaborate in order to fulfill the creative ambitions of the showrunners of a given series. I am constantly vigilant to find opportunities to elevate the storytelling. I fully embrace the responsibility of collaborating with these creative partners to tell a larger story.

On film and television projects where I am the initiator, I wear so many different hats. While it is a more time consuming process, there is something completely and thoroughly satisfying in seeing an idea be born and then evolve into a fully realized project. There’s a sense of authorship that I find very gratifying. I’ve had several experiences like this and it is very joyous. Most recently, my wife, Elaine Montalvo, and I produced a short film that I wrote and directed called ‘The Kill Floor.’ I’m very proud of that film as it was critically-acclaimed and award-winning. Another project that I am particularly proud of is called, ‘Foto-Novelas.’ This was a magical realist anthology series. I wrote, produced and directed most of the episodes in that series. I also have a feature film called, ‘Last Band Standing’ that I wrote and will direct. The story is a 1960s Texas music story that I am excited about bringing to the screen. Hopefully, we’ll be able to shoot it in 2025.

As a storyteller, I believe what sets me apart is a desire to portray characters with a deep sense of humanity. I’m looking at all the opportunities possible to represent people with some complexity and nuance. I also care about an actor’s performance so I’m very invested in the work of the actors that I direct. I want them to be truthful and unforgettable. For those who might be interested in partnering with me, I’d like for them to know me as creative and passionate collaborator who works tirelessly to produce compelling and entertaining stories.

I think that for those of us who come from diverse backgrounds there is a learning curve in regard to understanding how the film and television industry works. I didn’t have family members or friends that preceded me in the industry so there was lots of learning and relationship-building that I needed to do. For me, my experiences at UCLA were helpful in that regard. I had peers and professors that provided some insight. Learning to navigate an industry that is ever-changing is challenging, but you do your best to adapt. Now that I have had several professional experiences, I’ve been able to expand my network. Having a community of artists that you can lean into from time to time helps you to keep your perspective in order to forge ahead.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’ve lived in Los Angeles for nearly my entire life. I grew up in the Echo Park area of the city in the 1970s and 1980s, not far from Dodger Stadium. I love the vastness of Los Angeles and also our city’s various personalities. I could go on and on about the different places that I would recommend to an out-of-towner but let me tell you about some of my favorites.

One of the stops that I would recommend is a walk down Broadway in the city’s Downtown Historic Core. I’m particularly fond of all the old movie palaces on Broadway. As a boy, this is where I would regularly come with my family to either shop at the Grand Central Market or to see movies at the Million Dollar Theatre, the Orpheum Theatre or the Los Angeles Theatre. With gentrification, this area is rapidly changing but you still get a sense of old Los Angeles by being there. Visiting some of the old movie palaces is awe-inspiring and makes you yearn for the old days. If you’re hungry you can’t go wrong with the various vendors in Grand Central Market or the Mexican food at Sonoratown on 8th Street.

An early morning trip out to the Vasquez Rocks Natural Area in Agua Dulce is extremely worthwhile and something that I would recommend. The rock formations have a prehistoric and timeless quality. The rock climbing can be easy or challenging depending on how ambitious you are. You can see where Captain Kirk battled the Gorn in the ‘Arena’ episode of the original ‘Star Trek’ series. You can also hear about how the bandido Tiburcio Vasquez eluded the law there in the 1860s.

One of the most impressive things about Los Angeles is the abundance of museums. We are truly blessed with so many great museums. If my out-of-town guest was up for it, I would squeeze in La Plaza de Cultura y Artes, the Petersen Automotive Museum and the Getty Center all is one long, action packed day. We end the day at the Sunset Restaurant in Malibu for a late dinner and cocktails.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My story wouldn’t exist without the endless support of my wife, Costume Designer / Producer Elaine Montalvo. It is also necessary to mention the U.S. Latino filmmaking community and Latino film festivals who have supported me and my work for many, many years.

Website: http://www.carlosaviladirector.com

Instagram: @carlosavila_pix

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-avila-b41b8b1/

Image Credits
All photos courtesy of Echo Park Films, Inc.

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